Smith elated with Sydney ton

Steve Smith made a dream start to 2014, cracking a fluent century against England in the last Test of the Ashes series Down Under. Australia were in a spot of bother at 78/3 when Michael Clarke departed but Smith was positive throughout his knock and ensured that the hosts finished with a strong first innings total.

Australia are in pursuit of a whitewash over England but their batting disintegrated this morning before Smith and Brad Haddin got together for a 128-run stand that bailed the Aussies out of trouble and frustrated England, who were looking to bowl the hosts out cheaply for once. Smith, of course enjoyed himself in he New Years Test, soaking in the atmosphere and showcasing his talent and worth to the world.

"It's my favourite place to play so I'm absolutely delighted to have got a hundred out here in tough circumstances and get the team in a good position," said Smith, who slammed 115 off 154 balls, studded with 17 fours and a six.

This was Smith's second century of the series but there had also been times where he got starts but failed to convert them into big knocks. Today was the perfect opportunity to stand up with Haddin as the last recognized batting pair and he did just that. Australia eventually managed a healthy 326, thanks to Smith and Haddin, who blasted 75 off 90 balls.

"I haven't played with too many nerves in this series. I've felt quite good every time I've gone to the crease and obviously I haven't converted into big scores as much as I would have liked, but I've certainly felt good at the crease and today I guess was my day."

Smith had a word of praise for Haddin, who got past his sixth fifty-plus score (including a century) in seven innings this series.

"Brad was great out there, he was great to bat with, Smith said. I sort of took a back seat and just watched him go and the way he played his shots today was brilliant to form a partnership with him and get us in the position we are now, it's great," Smith said.